Modular Guide Sleeve Apparatus and Method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for lifting and supporting a pile is provided. The apparatus includes a modular support structure, which may include a modular support element such as a modular support helical pile. The modular support structure may further include a modular guide sleeve for guiding the support element as it is driven into strata. The portions of the modular support element and the modular guide sleeve may be installed adjacent a pile supporting a building even in the confined vertical space between the bottom of the building and the surface of the ground. Lifting device elements may be attached to the modular support structure and engaged with the building pile to lift and support the building pile.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY AND CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/945,119, filed Jul. 18, 2013, and entitled “Pile Lifting Apparatusand Method.” This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/945,119, filed Jul. 18, 2013, and entitled “PileLifting Apparatus and Method.” Applicants claim priority under 35 U.S.C§120 to U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 13/945,119.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to foundation construction and repairand, more particularly, to a modular guide sleeve apparatus for guidinga support pile and for supporting a lifting apparatus for lifting afoundation pile.

BACKGROUND

Buildings, including houses, office buildings, strip malls and the like,are often constructed such that a building frame rests on a foundation.Foundation types are generally known and can include concrete slabs,reinforced concrete slabs, pile-and-beam, footings, and other types.Sometimes foundations include structures that are deep enough tocontact, or tie into, solid strata such as bedrock. Pile-and beamfoundation structures may include a set of piers upon which a buildingstructure rests. In a typical configuration, portions of the buildingstructure, such as floor joists and/or sill plates rest on the piles.The piles are preferably in contact with bedrock to provide a relativelyfixed support structure. However, sometimes piles are not drivencompletely to bedrock.

Changing soil conditions, improper building construction, effects ofnature and the like can result in portions of the building sagging ordrooping. The sagging and drooping can, in turn, cause damage to theframe, drywall, flooring, plumbing, and other components of thebuilding. Foundation degradation can be caused by parts of thefoundation sinking where the soil conditions are insufficient to supportthe structure. Piles may need to be lifted in order to strategicallylift certain parts of the building structure. Piles may become damagedor degraded and need to be lifted to be repaired, reinforced, orreplaced.

When a foundation structure sinks, it becomes necessary to raise thesinking portion and support it such that it does not re-settle or sinkfurther. Prior techniques have involved jacking up the foundation andpositioning pilings below the foundation for support. However, thepilings are not in contact with the solid strata, so additionalfoundation sinking can still occur. Additionally, these techniques canbe very expensive and can be visually unpleasing as the repaircomponents such as the pilings are typically visible after the repairwork is completed.

Moreover, sometimes a foundation needs support within the perimeterboundaries of the foundation and in an area that is not easily reachedfrom outside the edges of the foundation. For example, with a concreteslab foundation, support is sometimes needed in an area within the slabboundaries. In certain areas such as this, supporting an edge of thefoundation is not sufficient. And, reaching certain interior areas fromthe exterior of the structure over the foundation, or from the outeredges of the foundation, may involve extensive excavation. This mayinclude substantial drilling and tunneling underneath the structure,from the outside or outer edges, to reach the area that needs support.This can be cost-prohibitive. Prior methods have involved drilling ahole through the foundation, inserting a support device and raising thesupport device to support the slab.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments of the invention provide a modular guide sleevewhich may be used in connection with a pile lifting apparatus. The guidesleeve may include a plurality of sleeve portions, which may be fittedtogether as necessary to provide a guide for a support structure. Thesupport structure and the assembled guide sleeve may also support one ormore components of the pier lifting apparatus. The guide sleeve and/orsupport structure may also be coupled to the pile being lifted.

In one example, a modular guide sleeve is provided. Modular guide sleeveincludes [NOTE TO JAY: Finish after claims are complete]

One or more of the embodiments may provide some, none, or all of certainof the following advantages. One advantage is that a guide sleeve isprovided, which is modular. In certain applications, for example, themodular guide sleeve may be easier to use than a pre-assembled,full-length guide sleeve. For instance, in confined spaces under astructure, the modular guide sleeve may be easier to position than afull-length guide sleeve. A portion of the sleeve may be positioned,followed by the attachment and positioning of another guide sleeveportion. Another advantage is that the modular guide sleeve may beeasier to transport from one location to another. Given that the lengthof each guide sleeve portion is less than an overall length of thefully-assembled guide sleeve, a shorter transport container may be used.Thus the module guide sleeve might be transported on a shorter truck ortrailer, for example. Another advantage that components of a pilelifting apparatus may be attached to portions of the guide sleeve instages, as opposed to positioning the guide sleeve and then attachingall of the components, or first attaching all of the components and thenpositioning the guide sleeve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its features,reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of modular guide sleeve portions inaccordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a side view of a modular guide sleeve in accordance with anexample embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the modular guide sleeve being used witha pile lifting apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a lift head in accordance with anexample embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an upper support bracket in accordancewith an example embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a gravity vice in accordance with anexample embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a support roller strap in accordancewith an example embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a lower support bracket in accordancewith an example embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a pile lifting method in accordancewith an example embodiment; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a modular support structure used inconjunction with the modular guide sleeve in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 1-9. In summary, variousembodiments provide an apparatus for guiding a support structure. Thesupport structure may be used in methods for repairing foundations, forexample. For instance, the support structure may be a helical pile usedin connection with a pile lifting apparatus. The modular guide sleevemay be positioned, for example, beside a pile to be lifted. In caseswhere the support structure attached to the lifted pile must bepositioned underneath a building structure, particularly where verticalspace is confined, the guide sleeve may be positioned in parts. Forexample, a first portion of the guide sleeve may be positioned, followedby attachment of a second portion of the guide sleeve to the firstportion. The various portions may be attached and positioned in thismanner in order to provide a complete guide sleeve for guiding thesupport structure.

The guide sleeve and/or support structure may be attached to one or morecomponents of a lifting apparatus. The lifting apparatus may be used forlifting and/or supporting a pile, such as might be used, for example, ina foundation support structure. The apparatus may lift a pilehydraulically and, at least in certain embodiments, incorporates agravity-operated lifting head to engage the pile during lifting. Theapparatus may also, in certain embodiments, incorporate agravity-operated vice for holding the pile in place while a hydraulicmechanism is being retracted.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a modular guide 10 sleeve isprovided. Modular guide sleeve 10 includes a plurality of guide sleeveportions. In the illustrated example, modular guide sleeve 10 includesfirst guide sleeve portion 12, second guide sleeve portions 14, andthird guide sleeve portion 16. It should be understood that more thanthree, or fewer than three, guide sleeve portions may be used.

The guide sleeve portions are adapted to connect to one another in orderto form a complete guide sleeve. As illustrated, the guide sleeveportions are connected by way of threaded ends. Thus, first guide sleeveportion 12 has a first end without threading, and a second “female” endwith a threaded interior portion. Second guide sleeve portion 14 has afirst “male” end with a threaded exterior portion adapted to interfitwith the second “female” end of first guide sleeve portion 12. Secondguide sleeve portion 14 also has a second “female” end with a threadedinterior portion. Third guide sleeve portion 16 has a first “male” endwith a threaded exterior portion adapted to interfit with the second endof second guide sleeve portion 14. Third guide sleeve portion 16 alsohas a second end with no threads.

It should be understood that the respective first and second ends of thevarious guide sleeve portions may have either no threads if thatrespective end is not going to be fitted with an adjacent end of anotherguide sleeve portion. Also, even if a respective end of a guide sleeveportion is not intended to interfit with an end of another guide sleeveportion, the end may still be threaded. Further, the first and secondends of a particular guide sleeve portion may be configured as bothbeing “male” ends or “female” ends, as long as they are interfitted withthe appropriate opposite configuration on the end of another guidesleeve portion. In at least one embodiment, it is preferred that allguide sleeve portions are the same and that all portions have a first“male” end and a second “female” end. This results in severaladvantages. First, there is uniformity in the process of manufacturingthe guide sleeve portions. Only one design is necessary of all portions.Also, the process of installing the guide sleeve portions at afoundation repair site (or pile lifting site) is simplified in that allof the attachments between respective, adjacent guide sleeve portionsare made in the same manner.

As shown in FIG. 9, a helical pile 928 may also have a modularconfiguration. Thus, helical pile 928 may comprise a plurality of pilesections including first, second, and third pile sections 902, 904, and906. First pile section 902 includes a shaft 903 with a helical head908. First pile section 902 may be coupled to section pile section 904.Third pile section 906 may be coupled to an end of second pile section904 opposite first pile section 902 to complete helical pile 928. Thecoupling of pile sections may be accomplished threaded portions at theends of the respective pile sections. Alternatively, any other suitableconnection configuration may be used. Also, it should be understood thatfewer or greater than three pile sections may be connected to create themodular helical pile 928. Further, it should be understood that thesupport structure may have a modular configuration whether or not it isa helical pile.

As shown in FIG. 2, a pile lifting apparatus is provided for liftingand/or supporting pile 2. It should be recognized that althoughapparatus 20 is shown in conjunction with a pile 2, apparatus 20 may beused for lifting and/or supporting a variety of pole-type structures.Further, various features and elements of apparatus 20 may be used inother devices where repetitive lifting is performed. Moreover, althoughall of the components (less pile 2) illustrated in FIG. 2 is describedas being part of apparatus 20, it should be recognized that otherinventive embodiments may include fewer than all of the componentsillustrated.

Apparatus 20 includes a support structure including a helical pile 28and a pile extension (not expressly shown) coupled thereto. In FIG. 2,the pile extension is within a modular guide sleeve 26 and, therefore,cannot been seen. Modular guide sleeve 26 may include first, second, andthird guide sleeve portions 12, 14, and 16 as previously described, forexample.

Helical pile 28 and its pile extension provide a support structure,which may be driven into strata. Preferably, helical pile 28 is drivento a depth where it contacts solid strata, or bedrock. Modular guidesleeve 26 both guides and supports the pile extension while it isdriven, along with helical pile 28, into the earth.

Preferably, the support structure is driven adjacent pile 2 that is tobe lifted and/or supported. In some embodiments, helical pile 28 and itsextension are first driven to desired depth and then coupled to pile 2.In other situations, modular guide sleeve 26 may be coupled to pile 2,and then helical pile 28 and its extension are driven. It should also berecognized that in certain situations a helical pile is not required.Certain aspects and functionality of the apparatus may be achieved aslong as a support structure is provided adjacent pile 2, which is thepile to be lifted.

Lower support bracket 24 is coupled to modular guide sleeve 26 and abutspile 2. Preferably, lower support bracket 24 abuts pile 2 to providelateral stability to pile 2 while allowing pile 2 to be moved verticallyduring a lifting process. Lower support bracket is illustrated infurther detail in FIG. 7. Lower support bracket 2 includes a couplingcylinder 71, an extension plate 72 extending perpendicularly from thelongitudinal axis of coupling cylinder 71, and a vertical support plate73 coupled to extension plate 72. It is the vertical support plate 73that abuts and laterally stabilizes pile 2. Preferably, the verticalsupport plate has holes formed therein for allowing attachment of theplate to the pile, and thus coupling of the pile to the supportstructure, by way of bolts, nails, spikes, screws, or other appropriateattachment devices. In certain embodiments, lower support bracket 24 isconnected to modular guide sleeve 26 by sliding the coupling cylinder 71of lower bracket 24 over and onto modular guide sleeve 26 such thatcoupling cylinder 71 surrounds an exterior surface of modular guidesleeve 26. In some embodiments, lower support bracket 24 is allowed tofreely move up and down modular guide sleeve 26 (or other components ofthe support structure, such as, for example, the helical pile extension)during the lifting process. In other embodiments, during the liftingprocess, downward movement of lower support bracket 24 may be limited byan upper end of modular guide sleeve 26. This may be the case, forinstance, if the lower support bracket's coupling cylinder 71 has alarge enough diameter to slide over the helical pile extension, but asmall enough diameter to be prevented from sliding over the guidesleeve. In still other embodiments, during the lifting process, lowersupport bracket 24 may be temporarily attached to the support structure.

Referring further to FIG. 2, pile lifting apparatus 20 also includes asupport roller strap 22. As can be seen in more detail in FIG. 6, rollerstrap 22 includes a strap 61 and a roller 62 coupled to strap 61. Strap61 comprises a length of a metal plate, which is bent in a generallyU-shaped configuration, such that the seat of the U shape is adapted tofit around one side of modular guide sleeve 26. The arms of the U, neartheir distal ends, are provided with inward-facing pegs or a barextending between the arms (not expressly shown) for supporting roller62. Roller 62 is adapted to fit next to a side of pile 2 oppositemodular guide sleeve 26. Support roller strap 22 provides additionallateral stability to pile 2 and prevents pile 2 from moving laterallyaway from modular guide sleeve 26. Roller 62 allows pile 2 to slideupwardly within support roller strap 22 during the lifting process.Preferably, outward pressure is created on the support structure duringthe lifting process to prevent the support roller strap from spinningaround the guide sleeve. Also, the fit of the support roller strap onboth the support structure and the pile being lifted helps to preventthe support roller strap from spinning about the supports structure.These aspects also help to prevent the support roller strap from movingdownward along the support structure. Downward movement is furtherinhibited by the lower support bracket.

Referring again to FIG. 2, pile lifting apparatus 20 also includes anupper support bracket 23. Upper support bracket 23 is shown in greaterdetail in FIG. 4 and includes coupling cylinder 41, a pair of extensionplates 42, and a C-shaped support plate 43. Extension plates 42 arecoupled to coupling cylinder 41 and extend laterally away from couplingcylinder 41 in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis of coupling ring 41. Distal ends of extension plates 42 are coupledto C-shaped support bracket 43. C-shaped support bracket 43 is adaptedto abut and laterally support pile 2. During the lifting process,movement of the upper support bracket along the support structure isinhibited in the same way as per the lower support bracket.

Referring again to FIG. 2, pile lifting apparatus 20 also includes agravity vice 18. As can be seen in greater detail in FIG. 5, gravityvice 18 includes a U-shaped support 51 having a back section adapted torest adjacent modular guide sleeve 26 and a pair of arms extending awayfrom modular guide sleeve 26. Gravity vice also includes a pair ofhinges 52, each having a gripping plate 53 hingedly attached thereto.Preferably the free ends of gripping plates 23 are disposed in agenerally upward from the arms of U-shaped support 51 such that theycannot rotate downwardly past the plane defined by U-shaped support 51.Both of gripping plates 53 have a C-shaped cutout portion adapted to fitabout an exterior surface of pile 2. When no lifting force is beingapplied to pile 2, the weight of gripping plates 53 causes them toengage the sides of pile 2. The weight of pile 2 pushes down on theC-shaped ends of gripping plates 53 causing the ends of plates 53 to diginto the sides of pile 2, thereby preventing further downward movementof pile 2, when a lifting force is no longer being applied to pile 2. Inat least some embodiments, gravity vice 18 is coupled to upper supportbracket 23. This keeps gravity vice 18 in place and provides stabilityto gravity plate 18 during the times that pile 2 is engaging grippingplates 53. It should be noted that the cutout portions of the grippingplates may have different shapes and/or configurations.

Referring again to FIG. 2, pile lifting apparatus 20 also includes ajacking cup 29. In certain embodiments jacking cup 29 rests atop anupper end of the pile extension coupled to helical pile 28. Jacking cup29 may have a cylindrical shape, or other shape to match the crosssection of the pile extension. Jacking cup 29 may have a pair of slotsextending partially along its length from the bottom. The slots arepositioned to match the pair of extension plates 42 of upper supportbracket 23. The slots of jacking cup 29 interfit with extension plates42 to provide stability to the unit and to prevent jacking cup 29 and/orupper support bracket 23 from turning about modular guide sleeve 26and/or the pile extension that is within modular guide sleeve 26 in FIG.2.

Jacking cup 29 preferably supports a lifting device 27. Preferably,lifting device 27 is hydraulically-actuated. The downward end of liftingdevice 27 buts against the upper end of the pile extension and/ormodular guide sleeve 26. Alternatively, jacking cup 29 may be providedwith an interior plate on which the lower end of lifting device 27 mayrest. Preferably, when lifting device 27 is actuated, an upper end oflifting device 27 extends upwardly (i.e., away from jacking cup 29 andthe upper end of the pile extension).

Pile lifting apparatus 20 also includes a lift head 25, which may becoupled to an upper end of lifting device 27. As can be seen in greaterdetail in FIG. 3, lift head 25 includes a coupling cylinder 31, a pairof extension plates 32, and a bracket plate 33. Coupling cylinder 31 isadapted to fit on, and surround an exterior surface of, a lifting arm oflifting device 27. Extension plates 32 extend from coupling cylinder 31in a direction away from lifting device 27 and toward pile 2 (when pile2 is engaged by pile lifting apparatus 20). Bracket plate 33 is coupledto the distal ends of extension plates 32 in a vertical manner (i.e.,such that it is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lifting arm oflifting device 27). Like the vertical bracket plates of the upper andlower support brackets, bracket plate 33 helps to support and laterallystabilize pile 2 when coupled to pile lifting apparatus 20.

Extension plates 32 also accommodate a hinge pin support tube 34. Tube34 is coupled to extension plates 32 in a transverse manner wherein itsaxis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support structureof pile lifting apparatus 20, and wherein its length is disposed withina plane that is perpendicular to the support structure of pile liftingapparatus 20.

Tube 34 supports hinge pin 35, which is disposed through tube 34. In theillustrated example, tube 34 may be a single tube that is disposedthrough holes in extension plates 32. Likewise, hinge pin 35 is a singlepin disposed though tube 34. Alternatively, tube 34 may comprise two ormore smaller tubes. For example, a smaller tube may extend outwardlyfrom each extension plate. Also, another smaller tube may be providedbetween the extension plates. Preferably, in this alternativeembodiment, the tubes would axially align with holes in the extensionplates. In another example, a tube extends outwardly from each of theextension plates. A small hinge pin is disposed within each of the smalltubes (i.e., there are two hinge pins). Any suitable alternative isviable as long as one or more hinge pins is provided and supported toallow swinging movement of an associated lift head plate, as describedbelow.

Lift head plate 36 is hingedly connected to hinge pin 34 to allow for upand down swinging movement of a distal end of lift head plate 36. Lifthead plate 36 preferably has a cutout portion at a distal end thereof.In the illustrated example, the cutout portion is V-shaped. However,other shapes may be employed. The cutout portion provides a plurality ofgripping edges for gripping pile 2 when engaged by pile liftingapparatus 20. Lift head plate 36 is adapted to grip pile 2 during alifting process. As pile 2 is lifted, the distal end of lift head plate36 falls downward due to gravity. Downward movement of lift head plate36 is limited by contact with pile 2. With continued lifting, thegripping edges of the cutout portion of lift head plate 36 are adaptedto dig into the surface of pile 2 to impart upward movement of pile 2while lift head 25 is being raised.

Referring to FIG. 8, a method 800 for lifting a pile (e.g., pile 2) willnow be described in connection with the flow chart provided in FIG. 8.It should be understood that various embodiments may add steps,eliminate steps, modify steps, and/or reorder steps.

In one step 801, a helical pile drive head is attached to a pileextension to create a support element. It should be understood that thesupport element may be a helical pile or other type of supportstructure. Preferably, the support element is a driven pile of someform. It should also be understood that the support structure may bemodular as described above in connection with FIG. 9. Likewise, itshould be understood that, if the support element is modular, such as amodular helical pile, then the support element may be positioned anddriven piecemeal. In certain cases, the helical pile drive head may bepartially inserted into a modular guide sleeve portion and positionedadjacent the lifted pile, prior to the helical pile extension beingcoupled to the helical pile drive head. In other example embodiments,the portions of the modular support element and the portions of themodular guide sleeve may be respectively installed, positioned, driven,coupled, etc., in any suitable order.

In another step 802, the support element is at least partially disposedin a guide sleeve. The guide sleeve may be a modular guide sleeve asdescribed elsewhere herein.

In another step 803, the support structure and guide sleeve arepositioned next to a pile needing lifting and/or support, and thesupport structure is driven into the strata. Preferably, the supportstructure is driven downwardly until the helical pile contacts bedrockor stable strata capable of supporting the structure, or foundation ofthe structure, associated with the pile.

In one embodiment, a modular guide sleeve is used and the guide sleeveis installed in pieces. Thus a first portion of the guide sleeve ispositioned, followed by a second portion of the guide sleeve beingconnected to the first portion. Then a third portion of the guide sleeveis coupled to the second portion, and so on, until the complete guidesleeve is created and installed. Then the helical pile (or other supportstructure) is installed so that at least a portion of the shaft of thehelical pile (or other support structure) is disposed within the modularguide sleeve. Then the pile is driven into the strata so that thecombined modular guide sleeve and support structure is adjacent the pilebeing lifted.

In another embodiment, the helical pile (or other support structure ispartially driven. Then, a portion of the modular guide sleeve isinstalled. Then, a second support structure portion is attached to thesupport structure portion that has been partially driven. T this andother points in the method, the combined support structure may be drivenfurther. Additional portions of the guide sleeve and support structuremay be installed, and the combined support structure may be furtherdriven. This is repeated until the complete combined guide sleeve andsupport structure is installed and the support structure is driven to beadjacent to the pile being lifted. In other embodiments, the helicalpile or other support structure may be installed and driven in portions,through a modular guide sleeve that has already been assembled. Or, thesupport structure may be installed and driven through a guide sleevethat is created and installed piecemeal while the support structure isbeing driven, or at intermediate points during the driving process.

In another step 804, a lower support bracket is coupled to the guidesleeve and positioned to abut the pile being lifted.

In another step 805, a support roller strap is coupled to, or positionedon, the guide sleeve and positioned so that the pile being lifted isdisposed in the gap created by the roller and the strap of the supportroller strap. In some cases, the support roller strap may be loweredonto the pile and then onto the guide sleeve. In other cases, the strapof the support roller strap may be positioned on the guide sleeve. Thenthe roller of the support roller strap may be attached to the strap toencompass the pile.

In another step 806, an upper support bracket is positioned on the guidesleeve. In at least certain embodiments, the support roller strap isdisposed between the lower support bracket and the upper supportbracket.

In another step 807, a jacking cup is placed atop the guide sleeveand/or the support structure.

In another step 808, a gravity vice is place on the pile being lifted,such that pile is disposed within a void between the cutout portions ofthe gripping plates of the gravity vice.

In another step 809, a lifting device is fitted into the jacking cup.

In another step 810, a lift head is positioned on a lifting arm of thelifting device such that the lift head plate of the lift head surroundsthe pile.

In another step 811, a first lifting process is performed. According tothis process, the lifting device is activated to extend the lifting arm.As the lifting arm extends, it pushes the lift head upward. Gravitycauses the distal end of the lift head plate to drop downwardly withrespect to the level of the other components of the lift head. Thedownward swinging movement is stopped when the gripping edges of thelift head plate engage the surface of the pile being lifted. As thelifting arm continues to extend, the gripping edges of the lift headplate dig into the surface of the pile being lifted. This imparts alifting force to the pile and the pile is lifted along with the lifthead.

It should be understood that activation of the lifting device with theresulting extension of the arm of the lifting device is an example only.Other lifting devices may be incorporated. Activation of the liftingdevice is intended to convey that state of the lifting device whichperforms lifting.

In another step 812, the lifting device is deactivated such thatextension of the lifting arm is halted. Preferably, extension of thelifting arm is halted at a predetermined distance corresponding to themaximum extension range of the lifting arm.

In another step 813, the lifting arm is retracted. This causes the lifthead to begin to be lowered. As the lift head is lowered, the grippingedges of the lift head plate release from the surface of the pile andgravity causes the pile to tend move downwardly. However, as the pilebegins its downward movement, the gripping plates of the gravity deviceengage the surface of the pile. The edges of the cutout portions of thegripping plates of the gravity vice dig into the surface of the pile andhalt downward movement of the pile due to gravity. The lifting arm ofthe lifting device may thus be fully retracted while the pile issupported in its partially lifted position by the gravity vice.

In another step 814, the lifting arm is again extended. The lift headengages the pile and begins to lift the pile upwardly. The upwardmovement of the pile causes the gripping plates to swing upwardly andrelease from the surface of the pile. The lifting and retracting stepsare alternately repeated until the pile has been lifted to a desiredheight.

In another step 815, one or more of the lower support bracket and theupper support bracket may be attached to the pile that has been lifted.This allows removal of the remaining components of the lifting apparatuswhile the pile remains supported in its lifted position.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular guide sleeve apparatus for guiding apile lifting support element, the apparatus comprising: a plurality ofguide sleeve portions connectable to one another to form an assembledguide sleeve, at least one of the guide sleeve portions having areceiving opening for receiving a first portion of the pile liftingsupport element, the assembled guide sleeve operable to guide the firstportion of the pile lifting support element as it is being driven intostrata.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, the plurality of guide sleeveportions comprising a first guide sleeve portion adapted to receive thefirst portion of the pile lifting support element; and a second guidesleeve portion, the second guide sleeve portion connectable to the firstguide sleeve portion to form at least a part of the assembled guidesleeve.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, the apparatus being adapted toguide the pile lifting support element, wherein the pile lifting supportelement is adapted to couple to a pile lifting device for lifting a pilesupporting a building structure, wherein each of the plurality of guidesleeve portions is shorter than a predetermined distance between thebuilding structure and ground, beneath the building structure.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein a first guide sleeve portion has amale-threaded end and a second guide sleeve portion has afemale-threaded end, the male- and female-threaded ends adapted tointerfit with each other to connect the first and second guide sleeveportions.
 5. A pile lifting support structure adapted to be coupled to apile lifting device for lifting a pile supporting a building structure,the pile lifting support structure comprising: a modular guide sleevehaving a plurality of guide sleeve portions, the guide sleeve portionsconnectable to each other to form an assembled guide sleeve; and amodular pile lifting support element comprising a first pile sectionhaving a helical drive head, and a second pile section adapted to beconnected to the first pile section to form an assembled support pile,the modular guide sleeve adapted to receive at least part of theassembled support pile and guide the assembled support pile as it isbeing driven into strata.
 6. The pile lifting support structure of claim5, wherein the assembled support pile has a first end comprising thehelical drive head and a second end distal the first end, the modularguide sleeve adapted to receive the distal end of the assembled supportpile.
 7. The pile lifting support structure of claim 5, furthercomprising: a hydraulic lifting device coupled to the modular guidesleeve, the hydraulic lifting device operable to move between anextended position and a retracted position; a lift head coupled to thehydraulic lifting device and adapted to engage the pile supporting thebuilding structure upon movement of the hydraulic lifting device towardthe extended position, and to disengage from the pile supporting thebuilding structure upon movement of the hydraulic lifting device towardthe retracted position; and a gravity vice coupled to the modular guidesleeve and adapted to engage the pile supporting the building structureupon movement of the hydraulic lifting device toward the retractedposition.
 8. A method of lifting and supporting a pile, comprising:positioning a first support pile section adjacent the pile to be lifted,the first support pile section having a helical drive head; driving thefirst support pile section into strata a first distance; positioning afirst modular guide sleeve portion onto the first support pile section;coupling a second support pile section to the first support pilesection; driving the first and second support pile sections a seconddistance; coupling a second modular guide sleeve portion to the firstmodular guide sleeve portion; and driving the first and second supportpile sections a third distance.
 9. The method of claim 8 furthercomprising coupling a hydraulic lifting device to the modular guidesleeve; coupling a lift head to the hydraulic lifting device andpositioning the lift head about the pile to be lifted; coupling agravity vice to the modular guide sleeve and positioning the gravityvice about the pile to be lifted; extending the hydraulic lifting deviceto engage the lift head with the pile to be lifted, thereby impartinglifting movement to the pile to be lifted; and retracting the hydrauliclifting device to disengage the lift head from the pile to be lifted andengage the gravity vice with the pile to be lifted, the gravity vicesupporting the pile to be lifted.